Spain v Belgium quarter-final guide: Can Red Devils spring a surprise against Lo Roja?
Spain looked favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Belgium arrive in Los Angeles believing they have the firepower to end La Roja’s unbeaten run and book a place in the semi-finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s side did not concede a goal in the tournament and produced a series of disciplined performances capped off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16. commanding a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States.
With Spain’s rock-solid defense up against Belgium’s free-scoring attack, Friday’s quarter-final at the SoFi Stadium promises to be one of the biggest tests for either side.
“Whoever controls the midfield can win the game.” That is Zee 5 pundit Robin Singh’s biggest draw heading into the competition, with the former India international believing the battle between Spain’s possession and Belgium’s quick transitions will determine the outcome.
BELGIUM WILL BE IN STEP
Belgium seem to have found their rhythm at exactly the right time.
After dominating Group G without being entirely convincing, Garcia’s team staged a remarkable comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32 before dismantling the United States 4-1 in the last 16.
Charles De Ketelaere shone against the brace-wearing Americans, while substitutes Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added the finishing touches.
Lukaku may once again start on the bench despite scoring in each of Belgium’s last three World Cup matches. Only Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored four substitute goals in 1990, has netted more from the bench in a single World Cup than Lukaku’s three in this tournament.
Belgium’s attacking numbers underline their improvement. They converted 12.1 percent of their shots, their second-best conversion rate at a World Cup since 1966, behind just 15.2 percent during their run to the semi-finals in Russia 2018.
Garcia’s men are also averaging 21.4 shots per game, their second-highest at the World Cup, reflecting a confident side in the final third.
SPAIN DEFENSIVE WALL
If Belgium rediscovered their attack, Spain built their campaign on an extraordinary defensive record.
La Roja extended their run to six consecutive clean sheets Monday’s 1-0 win over Portugalthe longest such streak in World Cup history.
Spain are now 10 hours and 9 minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup and are allowing just 0.30 expected goals against (xGA) per game, the lowest average recorded by any team in a single edition of the tournament.
While Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal provided the attacking flair, Spain’s defensive organization was the foundation of their progress to the round of 16.
WHAT THEY SAID
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes Belgium will provide his toughest challenge of the tournament so far.
Spain, who reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal, grew stronger with each match, combining defensive solidity with technical quality to make them one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
“Tomorrow’s match will be the toughest we’ve faced so far,” de la Fuente told reporters in Los Angeles.
“Belgium is a very strong team. They are players who are used to winning. It will be a tough match.”
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia accepts the underdog tag but insists his side have every reason to believe they can upset the European champions.
“We know we’re playing one of the favorites. Spain are probably the best in possession and they’ve been playing in a recognizable way for 15 or 20 years,” Garcia said.
“But we have a great team. We are the second highest scorers in the World Cup and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it.”
TEAM NEWS
De la Fuente is expected to remain with the team that beat Portugal in the Round of 16.
Mikel Merino, whose late winner ensured Spain progress to the quarter-finals, is likely to be used again as a shock substitute. Alex Baena is expected to keep his place ahead of Nico Williams, who is still working his way back to full match sharpness from injury.
Pedro Porro looks set to continue at right-back ahead of Marcos Llorente, while goalkeeper Unai Simón will be chasing a sixth consecutive clean sheet.
Mikel Oyarzabal comes up front in excellent form, contributing 24 goals and assists in the last 18 games for Spain.
Spain Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Leeks, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedro; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Belgium were dealt a major blow with Amadou Onana ruled out after suffering an ACL injury in the round of 16.
Garcia is expected to reshuffle his midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne operating in a more advanced role, while Youri Tielemans partners either Nicolas Raskin or Hans Vanaken in midfield.
De Ketelaere’s double against the United States should earn him another start ahead of Lukaku, despite the striker’s excellent impact from the bench.
Jeremy Doku could replace Dodi Lukebakio on the left wing, Leandro Trossard moved to the right.
Belgium Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere.
SPAIN VS. BELGIUM: TV & STREAMING GUIDE
Kick-off: 12:30 PM IST (July 11)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Live Broadcast (India): ZEE5 App and Website
Telecast (India): DD Sports and Unite8 Sports
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
Jul 10, 2026 12:07 PM IST